Spanish Howitzer

There’s lots of fun in this little package.  Arrived in a small crate a short few weeks after I mailed in my cannon purchase agreement, money order and letter describing what I wanted and where to ship it.  Inside was the prettiest little howitzer you’d ever want to see.  15 inches long with a 2 ¼ (approx.) bore.  When it arrived, I had already made a mock-up carriage out of douglas fir (cheap wood) and used that as the work stand to do the barrel finishing.  I suggest you do the same.  Doug fir is a lot cheaper than the 2” X 12” oak I used for the finished carriage.  At the range, this little gun is amazing.  It’s no long distance piece, but does it ever speak with authority.  That little howitzer is a cannon, a mortar and a disrupter of the local ambience.   Compared to my English swivel gun, this thing is extremely loud.  As a matter of fact it was the loudest thing on the range.  Another great bonus is that the bore is the right size for juice cans.  Cement filled juice cans are lots cheaper than metal balls of any alloy.  Another fun load for this gun is canister shot.  I use the flawed balls from casting for my muzzleloaders.   I have put lots of rounds and canister shot through this little howitzer without a single problem.  Again, the service at Hern Iron Works was exceptional.  They continue to put up with strange customer questions (and even tell you to call again).  They can refer you to information sources during your build.  I have nothing but good words for Hern Iron Works.